He has represented Australia since he was 14 and has won more Olympic medals for his country than any other athlete in Australia.

Thorpe has also been named World Swimmer of the Year four times. However, shoulder problems have dogged his career over recent years and have constantly threatened his bids to return to international competition.

He missed out on being part of the London Olympic team in 2012 and while he had his sights on competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July, prospects of him taking part now seem dim.